3 NWSL teams that should take advantage of intra-league loans this summer | OneFootball

The NWSL continues to grow for the better. Recently, the league announced that teams can loan out players to other teams within the league. The intra-league loan allows players to move to another club without having to be sold or traded.

Per the NWSL, "loans must be approved by the league and require the consent of the loaned player." Additionally, the loans can "occur anytime during the season before the close of the Secondary International Transfer Window but must meet FIFA’s loan duration requirements." Theoretically, it could turn into the Wild West since teams can have a total of 12 players combined of those loaned in or out, but it would be shocking if any NWSL team goes that route.

Nevertheless, the intra-league loans are a game-changer for the NWSL. Teams can loan developing players to teams that need help without giving up the player. They can also loan out players to play around with the salary cap. Plus, if a player desires to go elsewhere, and one or both sides cannot commit to a permanent move, then they can loan the player to buy time to reach a permanent solution.

As the NWSL heads into the summer break, there will be plenty of time for teams to adjust their rosters for the rest of the season. Some clubs should utilize the intra-league loans, and there are a few that should, without a doubt, take advantage of this new NWSL roster rule. So, let's take a look at three teams that should sign a player or more on loan from another NWSL side.

Houston Dash

The Houston Dash sits in 12th place and was expected to be a little further up the standings based on their offseason. The Texas team acquired talented players like Delanie Sheehan via free agency and Yazmeen Ryan via a trade. They also locked down some of their top players like Avery Patterson and Bárbara Olivieri.

Based on the roster changes, it is shocking that Houston sits toward the bottom of the table. As such, the club should sign a few players via a loan deal from other NWSL teams. For Houston, they need players who can help push the team higher up the table. But they also should not sign anyone permanently, for they need to see how the players will perform with the team. The loans allow the Dash not to take risks after they have possibly spent a lot in the offseason.

Houston should probably try to find another offensive player to bolster the attack, for they scored just 12 goals thus far, which is the third least in the NWSL. They have also allowed 20 goals, which is the fifth most. That is why adding a defender would not be a bad idea either.

Utah Royals FC

Utah Royals FC is in last place in the NWSL and arguably is in a worse place compared to last season. With just one win, the Royals' drastic offseason has not provided the spark the team needs. New signings like Aisha Solórzano have not lived up to expectations. Then, it did not help their backline when their offseason pickup Tatumn Milazzo was placed on the season-ending injury list.

Hence, Utah might need to shed some players while also bringing in new ones this summer. They have nothing to lose and could use the help, so why not bring in some players via intra-league loans? There must be some starter-caliber players and stronger depth options available that clubs would be willing to part with for the rest of the season.

Like Houston, Utah can use the rest of the season as a trial period for anyone they acquire via a loan deal and will consider signing them permanently.

Gotham FC

The final team that should utilize the intra-league loans this summer is NJ/NY Gotham FC. The team is in a slightly different place compared to the other teams above. Like Utah, they had a drastic roster turnover in the offseason. However, their signings have been performing well. Rather, Gotham has been underperforming.

While the NJ/NY side should not go out and get multiple loan players like Utah and Houston, they do need help in the backline. Their defense was thin going into the season, and it did not help when Tierna Davidson tore her ACL.

That is why Gotham should seek a defender who can act as depth via the intra-league loan. They should sign a starter, but a depth piece via a loan would be perfect for the team. That way, they do not have to rush to find anyone for the long term.